Reacting to sentiments shared by the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industries (GCCI) on opening of bars & pubs, Minister for Ports & Waste Management Michael Lobo opined that this is not the right time to start the business.
Admitting that people are suffering from the lockdown, which has been in place for almost four and half months now, Lobo, who represents the tourism centric constituency of Calangute, says that the present situation is critical and it does not permit opening of permit opening of bars and pubs.
“I agree people are suffering but you also have to consider the fact that cases are rising @ 220/ day. If we cannot control it now, it will turn into a mess,” he stated.
Lobo said that at the Gyms, a particular number of people can be allowed and once they finish second batch can be let in after sanitizing the machine.
“…but in the bars and pubs it would be very difficult to maintain social distancing and also obviously nobody would be wearing mask while drinking,” he said.
He said the business has to start but we can take a call after Ganesh festival is over.
“As it is shravan month is on and many Hindus do not drink. So let us wait and see if situation improves and take a call after Ganesh festival. We need to also see if cases subside,” he said.
Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Manoj Caculo had ridiculed the SOPs of the Ministry of Home Affairs, to open Gyms and keep the bars closed saying the decision defies.
Taking to social media handles, clearly Caculo unhappy with the SOPs wrote, “As per new MHA guidelines… Gyms are allowed…. welcome the action…. but no BARS allowed ??? Where is the logic??”
He said he failed to understand how drinking in bars can get COVID-19 over workout in Gyms.
“Expected both to open at same time, alas …. that’s so called SOP and WE ACCEPT IT AS IT COMES!! ,” he wrote.
He further questioned who decides on SOPs “WHO DECIDES?? Someone who doesn’t drink nor exercise!!!!. Sorry to state but not in the interest of Goan economy.”
Caculo’s post drew mixed reactions as many favoured opening of bars while many others did not.
However, GCCI president defended his post saying he was concerned about the families who depend on small bars, which are closed to nearly five months now.
